VII. Data Collection and Use
A. Data Collection
2. Collection methods (Evaluate)
Identify appropriate methods and evaluate the results from surveys, automated tests, automated monitoring and reporting tools, etc., that are used to meet various data analysis objectives.
Collecting data is a process worth thinking though and getting right.
Additional References
Nevada Charts to Gather Data (article)
Quick Quiz
1-67. To evaluate product usage and reliability, which form of reliability data would provide the most valuable information?
(A) results from independent labs
(B) in-house test results
(C) field support data
(D) quality control data
(C) field support data
While all the options could provide reliability information, this is a ranking questions — “best”. The most accurate data that reflects the product use and reliability is that obtained directly from customers. Ideally a product will have onboard tracking/reporting capability. In most cases, customers report issues or defects especially if they enjoy a warranty or service contract.
The other options are removed from actual customer using the product, and while they may be done well they will not contain the user expectations and often unknown full range of use variability.
1-71. What is the most valid source of failure rate data?
(A) environmental test data
(B) test data obtained under controlled conditions
(C) manufacturing process data
(D) operational data
(D) operational data
Data gathered about component failures, especially when it includes detailed failure analysis, is the data that truly reflects the use and conditions experienced by the product and components. Using actual, or operational data, has the least assumptions about system use.
1-73. Which of the following is not a basic source of reliability data?
(A) in-plant testing
(B) engineering specifications
(C) field testing
(D) user operation
(B) engineering specifications
Note the key word, “not”. The engineering specification may establish a reliability goal and criteria for reliability testing, yet is not a source of reliability data.
1-76. The rate of complaints for a consumer product is directly a good measure of which of the following?
(A) customer bias
(B) customer satisfaction
(C) product quality
(D) product rejection rate
(B) customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction reflects the customer acceptance of a product. Does the product meet their often unstated needs and expectations. Tracking customer complaints is a reasonable method to assess satisfaction. Other methods include surveys, comment forms, polls, and focus groups. None are perfect, yet complaints provide a measure that reflects implemented product changes and/or customer demographic or expectation changes.
1-150. Identify the statement(s) that is(are) true of initial computer collection and reporting of data
I. Computer collection is more accurate than manual collection and reporting.
II. Computer collection can reduce the expenses of data collection and reporting.
III. Computer collection is faster than manual collection and reporting.
(A) I only
(B) I and III only
(C) II and III only
(D) I, II, and III
(B) I and III only
II. Computer collection can reduce the expenses of data collection and reporting.
Is not generally true given the additional equipment and design/programing to automatically collect and report data.
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